Ornament with Image Projector

ABSTRACT

Some embodiments of a decoration apparatus may have an attractive appearance and multi-functional capabilities. The decoration apparatus may include one or more internal light sources that provide lighting effects in combination with decorative elements formed in the structure. In addition to providing internal lighting effects, the decoration apparatus may include a projector device, which is capable of displaying a light pattern on a remote surface, such as a wall or a ceiling.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of U.S. application Ser.No. 11/152,817 filed on Jun. 14, 2005 by Richmond et al., which is fullyincorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This document relates to decorating with a lighted device, such as aholiday ornament.

BACKGROUND

Decorations are often used as part of a celebration of an event or aseason. For example, a living area or a shopping mall may be decoratedwith a Christmas tree having strings of lights and colored bulbs as partof the Christmas holiday season. A larger decoration placed on the topof a Christmas tree could be perceived as the main attraction of theChristmas tree. In another example, a Menorah or other lighteddecoration may be employed as part of a Chanukah celebration.

In some circumstances, lighting effects may be used to provide a desiredappearance to the decorations. For example, a jack-o-lantern pumpkinornament may include an internal light bulb to produce a glowing effectduring the nighttime celebration of Halloween. In an alternativeexample, if a decorative device is intended to appear as a Menorah, thedevice may be a formed part having colorations and the shape of anine-branched candelabrum. Such a Menorah decoration may incorporatelight bulbs at the tips of the candles to provide the appearance ofburning candles.

SUMMARY

A decorative device may include both an ornament structure and anintegral projector device to display on a wall, ceiling, etc. an imageoptionally associated with the a decorative theme of the ornamentstructure. In various embodiments, the decoration apparatus may includeone or more internal lights that provide lighting effects in combinationwith decorative elements formed in the ornament structure. In oneembodiment, the decorative apparatus may be disposed proximal to the topof a Christmas tree so that the internal lighting effects of theapparatus may adorn the tree while the external projection may bedisplayed on a ceiling or wall near the apparatus. The decorativeapparatus may include an ornament portion having a plurality ofdecorative elements formed in the ornament portion. The decorativeapparatus may also include a base portion operable to releasably mountto a top portion of a tree. The apparatus may further include aprojector device having a projection light source. When the projectionlight source is activated, light is emitted to project a pattern onto aremote surface, such as a ceiling or a wall.

These and other embodiments may be configured to provide one or more ofthe following advantages. First, the decoration apparatus may have thestructure of a tree topper decoration that utilizes its location near aceiling or a wall to provide both internal lighting effects and anexternal projection of a decorative pattern. Second, the decorationapparatus may include synchronized light effects that simulate arecognizable light pattern, such as the brightening and fading effectsof a star. Third, the decoration apparatus may employ light piping andback lighting effects to enhance the surface and edge elements formed inthe ornament structure. Fourth, the decoration apparatus may includeboth substantially upward and forward light projection. The forwardlight projection may be provided when light from internally disposedlight sources is emitted through a pattern of openings in the front faceof the ornament structure. The substantially upward light projection maybe provided when a projection device has a sufficiently bright lightsource to display a pattern onto a nearby surface. The projected patternmay be substantially defined by an image-bearing mask (e.g., a filmnegative or a stencil), which is magnified and focused when the lightpasses through a set of lenses. Alternatively, the projected pattern maybe defined by an LCD (liquid crystal display) projection panel so as toprovide a moving image or a changing sequence of images.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth inthe accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features,objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thedescription and drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a decoration apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1B is a front view of a tree and the decoration apparatus of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a front view of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a decoration apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 9 is a section view of a portion of the decoration apparatus ofFIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a section view of a projector device in accordance with someembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 11 is a top view of the projector device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a section view of a portion of the projector device and aportion of the decoration apparatus of FIG. 8.

FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for a decoration apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a decoration apparatus in accordancewith some embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the decoration apparatus of FIG.14.

FIG. 16 is a front view of a tree and the decoration apparatus of FIG.14, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a tree and the decoration apparatus of FIG.14, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.

Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1A-B, a decoration 100 may include an ornamentstructure 120 and a projector device 160. In some embodiments, thedecoration 100 may be configured to function as tree topper device andmay include a base 110 that releasably attaches to a top portion of aChristmas tree 101 (FIG. 1B). In this embodiment, the ornament structure120 is shown as a star-shaped structure, but it should be recognizedother embodiments of the decoration 100 may have a shape familiar to anapplicable season or event, such as the shape of an angel or a SantaClaus character that is sometimes associated with the Christmas season.It should also be understood that other embodiments of the decoration100 may be configured to be placed on a mantle, a tabletop, a wall, orother decorative locations. In those embodiments, the base 110 may havea different shape so as to facilitate placement of the decoration 100 inthose various locations.

Referring to FIG. 1A, the ornament structure 120 may include one or morehollow portions 122. The hollow portions 122 may include decorativeelements, such as die-cut openings 124 formed in the front surfacethereof, each of which may be enhanced by one or more internal lightsources. The light emitted from the internal light sources may projectforwardly through the openings 124 from inside the hollow portion 124(refer also to FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the hollow portions 122 areconfigured to be the points of the star-shaped ornament structure 120,and the die-cut openings 124 formed in the surface of the hollowportions 122 have a decorative pattern that is similar on each of thepoints. In addition, the hollow portions 122 may comprise a lighttransmissive material that permits at least some light to transmitthrough the material, thereby providing a glowing appearance. Forexample, the ornament structure 120 may comprise a substantiallytranslucent SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile) material, which permits somelight from the internal light sources to transmit through the material.In such circumstances, each hollow portion 122 may have provide alow-level glow while substantially brighter light emits through theopenings 124. In certain embodiments, the internal surfaces of thehollow portions 122 may have a substantially reflective coating (e.g., awhite colored surface coating) applied there to enhance the light thatis emitted through the die-cut openings 124. In those embodiments, thelight projected from the openings 124 may be much brighter than anylight that is transmitted through the outer shell material of the hollowportions 122.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1A, the ornament structure 120 mayinclude a central portion 132 that includes another decorative element,such as an surface pattern 134 formed in the front surface thereof. Inthis embodiment, the surface pattern 134 comprises a snowflake pattern,but it should be understood that other surface patterns may be formed inthe central portion 132. The central portion 132 may include a hollowchamber in which an central light source is disposed (as shown, forexample, in FIG. 3). The surface pattern 134 may be embossed in asubstantially transparent or translucent material such that the centrallight source causes the surface pattern 134 to glow. If, for example,the ornament structure 120 comprises a substantially translucent SAN(Styrene Acrylonitrile) material, some light from the internal centrallight source may transmit through the central portion 132 to provide alow-level glowing appearance, but the surface pattern 134 may appearsubstantially brighter or more defined by the light. This backlightingeffect may be caused by the light passing through the embossed materialand bending at different angles in the curves, grooves, corners, andedges of the surface pattern 134.

Still referring to FIG. 1A, the ornament structure 120 may include oneor more substantially solid members 142 that are capable of transmittinglight from an internal light source. For example, the substantiallysolid members 142 may employ light from a central light source 138 toprovide lighting effects such as light piping and edge lighting (asshown, for example, in FIG. 3). In this embodiment, the substantiallysolid members 142 are configured to be the points of the star-shapedornament structure 120 such that the hollow portions 122 comprise afront star points and the substantially solid members 142 comprise aback star points. Together, the hollow portions 122 and thesubstantially solid members 142 may operate to provide lighting effectsthat simulate a glowing star (described in more detail below). Thesubstantially solid members 142 may comprise a light transmissivematerial that permits at least some light to transmit through thematerial. For example, the ornament structure 120 may comprise asubstantially translucent SAN (Styrene Acrylonitrile) material, whichpermits some light from an internal light source to transmit through thematerial. In this embodiment, the light from the central internal lightsource (as shown, for example, in FIG. 3) may be transmitted through afirst, inwardly facing edge of each substantially solid member 142. Thelight passes through each member 142, causing a light piping effect andthereby providing a glowing appearance. Some light traveling through themembers 142 may pass through the surface patterns 144 formed in thefront surface of each member 142. The surface patterns 144 in thesubstantially solid members 142 may appear brighter or more defined bythe light due to the light bending at different angles in the curves,grooves, corners, and edges of the surface patterns 144. Also in thisembodiment, some light transmitting through the members 142 may passthrough the outwardly facing edges 146 of each member 142, causing anedge lighting effect. The edges 146 of each member 142 may appearbrighter or more defined by the light (compared to the front and rearsurfaces) due to the light bending at different angles along the bevelededge surfaces 146.

Accordingly, the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 may include one or moreinternal light sources that enhance decorative elements in the ornamentstructure 120. Such internal lighting effects may be accomplished byprojecting light forward through openings 124 in the surface of thehollow portions 122, by backlighting through a surface pattern 134formed the central portion 132, by light piping through thesubstantially solid members 142 to provide a glowing effect, by edgelighting through the outwardly facing ends 146 of the substantiallysolid members 142, or by a combination thereof.

Referring to FIG. 1B, some embodiments of the decoration 100 may beconfigured as a tree topper device, which may be releasably attached toan upper portion (e.g., proximal to the top stem) of a Christmas tree101. In the depicted embodiment, the base 110 has a tubular shape thatis adapted to receive the top stem or another portion of the Christmastree 101. Other configurations of the base 110 may include asupplemental shaft that extends downward from the base 110 and issecured to a substantially rigid portion of the Christmas tree 101 usingVelcro™ straps or the like. As previously described, the decoration 100may include a projector device 160 (FIG. 1A) that is capable ofproviding a light pattern on a nearby surface 102, such as a ceiling ora wall. In the embodiments in which the decoration 100 is configured asa tree topper device, the intended site (proximal to the pinnacle of atree 101 and positioned near a surface 102) may be fully utilized bothto adorn the tree 101 with an internally lit device and to decorate anearby surface 102. As such, the decoration 100 may providemulti-functionality while consuming a relatively small amount of space.Moreover, the decorative design that is used to adorn the tree 101 maybe associated to the projected pattern display on the nearby surface102. For example, the projector device 160 may be equipped with animage-bearing mask (described in more detail below) having a stars andsnowflake pattern that is projected onto the surface 102, which isassociated with the stars and snowflake design of the ornament structure120. In such embodiments, the decorative theme used to adorn the tree101 may be part of a greater theme to decorate other parts of the room.

Referring now to FIGS. 2-3, some embodiments the ornament structure 120may be coupled to the base 110 by one or more support shafts 115, 116,and 117. In such embodiments, the ornament structure 120 may bepositioned forwardly of the base 110 and the projector device 160 sothat the project device is substantially concealed from the front sideof the decoration 100. Some of the shafts, such as shafts 116 and 117,may be hollow so as to accommodate wires that are connected to theinternal light sources 128 and the internal central light source 138(shown in FIG. 3). The base 110 and the shafts 116 and 117 may comprisea substantially rigid and flame-resistant material, such a polymer ormetal material. For example, the base 110 and shafts 116 and 117 may bethermoformed from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material.

The base 110 may comprise a tubular body that includes one or morecavities 112 and 114 and that houses the projector device 160. In thisembodiment, a first cavity 112 is disposed near the bottom of the base110 and is configured to receive an upper portion of a tree 101 (FIG.1B). Also, the base 110 may include a second cavity 114 that is adaptedto receive a supplemental support shaft (not shown in FIGS. 2-3) thatcan extend downwardly and be releasably attached to a substantiallyrigid portion of the tree 101. In other embodiments in which thedecoration 100 is configured to be mounted on a mantle, a tabletop, awall, or other decorative locations, the base 110 may include cavitiesor mounting brackets in various arrangements so as to facilitateplacement of the decoration 100 in those locations. For example, someembodiments of the decoration 100 may include a base having a mountingbracket with a substantially horizontal bottom surface. In suchembodiments, the flat bottom surface of the base may be used to retainthe decoration in an upright position as the decoration 100 is placed ona mantle or a tabletop.

Referring to FIG. 3, the projector device 160 may be housed in an upperportion of the base 110 so that a light pattern can be projected fromthe decoration 100. In this embodiment, the projector device 160 maycomprise a projection light source 168, an image pattern 162, and one ormore lenses 166 and 167 to magnify and/or focus the image. Theprojection light source 168 may be a megabright light-emitting diode(single or multicolor) so as to provide greater clarity and brightnessto the image pattern projected to the nearby surface. For example, theprojection light source 168 may be a water-clear white UB light-emittingdiode having a brightness of 13,000 mcd (Millicandelas) or greater. Inthis example, the projected image may be about 20-inches wide whenprojected on a targeted surface at a distance of about 24-inches fromthe projector device 160. In this embodiment, the projector device 160is arranged to provide the light pattern in a generally upward direction(see, e.g., FIG. 1B), yet other embodiments of the decoration 100 mayinclude a projector device 160 that is capable of projecting a lightpattern in a non-vertical direction, such as sideways toward a wallsurface or angled downwardly toward a nearby floor surface.

Still referring to FIG. 3, the decoration 100 may include a centrallight source 138 that is disposed proximal to the central portion 132.The central light source 138 may emit light that is transmitted throughthe surface pattern 134 to provide the previously described backlightingeffects. In addition, the central light source 138 may emit that istransmitted through the substantially solid members 142 to provide thepreviously described light piping effects and the edge lighting effects.For example, a portion of the light emitted from the central lightsource 138 may pass through the inwardly facing edge of eachsubstantially solid member 142, through the body of the member 142, andout the front and rear faces 148 and 149. Such an operation may cause alight piping effect so that the substantially solid member 142 has aglowing appearance. In addition, some light passing through the body ofeach member 142 may exit from the outwardly facing edges 146, which canprovide the previously described edge lighting effects. Accordingly, thecentral light source 138 can be the source for backlighting effectsthrough the surface pattern 134 and for the light piping and edgelighting effect through the members 142. In some embodiments, thecentral light source 138 may be an incandescent light bulb having abrightness of about 0.4 MSCP (Mean Spherical Candlepower). Such a lightsource may provide a sufficient amount of brightness depending upon thetransmissivity of the ornament structure material, the thickness of theornament structure walls, and other factors.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, each hollow portion 122 is equippedwith an associated light source 128 that is capable of emitting light toforwardly project out of the openings 124 formed in the front side ofeach hollow portion 122. For example, in the embodiment depicted in FIG.1A and FIG. 3, the decoration 100 includes five hollow portions 122,each having the shape of a point of a star. Each of the five hollowportions 122 includes a light source 128 disposed at least partiallytherein, as shown in FIG. 3. In such circumstances, each of the hollowportions 122 may be independently illuminated such that the star pointscan be synchronized to display various brightening and fading effectsthat substantially simulate starlight. As described in more detailbelow, one or more programmable controllers may be employed toindependently illuminate/dim the internal light sources 28. Each of thelight sources 128 may be a light-emitting diode (multicolored or singlecolor). Each light source 128 may emit a light color similar to ordifferent from the central light source 138 and/or the other lightsources 128. In one example, the central light source 138 emits asubstantially white light through the surface pattern 134 and throughthe substantially solid members 142 while each of the light sources 128emits a substantially yellow light through the openings 124 in thehollow portions 122. When such a multicolored arrangement of thisexample is used in combination with the synchronized brightening/fadingeffects in the star-point portions, the decoration 100 may provide apleasing simulation of sparkling starlight that includes a bright, whitelight near the center and includes a time-varying, yellow light nearstar points.

Still referring to FIG. 3, each of the light sources 128 may beelectrically connected to a circuit 170 using wires 129. In thisembodiment, the wires 129 pass through the hollow shaft 115 to connectto the circuit 170 disposed in the tubular body of the base 110. Also inthis embodiment, the central light source 138 is electrically connectedto the circuit 170 via wires 139 that pass through the hollow shaft 117.The projection light source 168 may be electrically connected to thecircuit 170 using wires or using a surface mount connection. In theembodiment shown in FIG. 3, the projection light source 168 ispositioned near the circuit 170 so that the projection light source 168may be surface mounted directly to the circuit 170. The circuit 170 maybe electrically connected to a power source (not shown in FIG. 3) usinga wire 172 that passes through the base 110. The wire 172 may include aknot 174 or a strain relief member so as to prevent the wire 172 frombeing pulled out of connection with the circuit 170. As described inmore detail below in connection with FIG. 13, the circuit 170 mayinclude a programmable controller that is capable of independentlyilluminating and fading the light sources that are electricallyconnected thereto.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-5, the ornament structure 120 may be disposedin front of the body of the base 110 so as to conceal a substantialportion of the base 110. In such circumstances, the projector device 160that is housed in the base 110 may be substantially concealed from viewfrom the front side of the decoration 100. By substantially concealingthe projector device 160 from direct view from the front side, theprojector device 160 may provide a light pattern on an nearby surface102 (see, e.g., FIG. 1B) without detracting from the adornment featuresprovided by the ornament structure 120 and the internally disposed lightsources 128 and 138. In some embodiments in which the decoration 100 isconfigured to be a tree topper device, the decorative elements (e.g.,the openings 124 and the surface patterns 134 and 144) may be formedprimarily on the front side of the decoration, which can be the portionof the decoration 100 that is generally exposed to viewers. By formingthe decorative elements on the primarily viewed portion, themanufacturing costs may be reduced without substantially detracting fromthe adornment provided by the decoration 100. Although the embodimentdepicted in FIGS. 4-5 show the decorative elements (e.g., the openings124 and the surface patterns 134 and 144) formed primarily on the frontside of the decoration 100, it should be understood that otherembodiments may include similarly formed decorative elements on the rearside of the decoration. For example, surface patterns 144 may be formedon the rear side of the substantially solid members 142, and somedie-cut openings 124 may be formed on the rear side of the hollowportions 122.

Referring now to FIG. 6, some embodiments of the decoration may includethe projector device 160 proximal an upper portion of the base 110 sothat the projector device is directed in a substantially upwarddirection. As previously described, the projector device 160 may includean image-bearing mask 162. One or more lenses 166 and 167 (FIG. 3) maybe positioned over the image-bearing mask 162 so as to magnify and/orfocus the light image that is projected from the projection light source168 through the image-bearing mask 162. The mask 162 may be disposed ona substrate so that light does not pass through generally opaqueportions of the mask 162, but may pass through openings or substantiallytransparent portion in the mask 162. For example, the image-bearing mask162 may be formed as a stencil in a generally opaque substrate. In thisexample, the substrate may be a polymer or plastic disc having aperturesformed therein to produce the desired image pattern 162. In anotherexample, the image-bearing mask 162 may be formed as a film negative ofthe desired image. In such circumstances, the film negative may havesubstantially opaque, dark areas through which light does not generallypass and may also have substantially transparent portions that producethe desired image. The film may have a colored tint, such as a red orgreen tint, so that the projected image appears in that color.Alternatively, a colored gel layer may be positioned between theprojection light source 168 (FIG. 3) and the projection surface 102(FIG. 1B) so that the projected image appears in that color. In theembodiment depicted in FIG. 6, the image-bearing mask 162 comprises asnowflake and star pattern, but it should be understood that other imagepatterns may be used depending upon the holiday or season beingcelebrated and/or depending upon theme included in the decorativeelements (e.g., surface patterns 134 and 144) of the ornament structure120. In one example, the ornament structure 120 may have the shape of anangel or may have decorative elements (e.g., surface patterns 134 and144) in the shape of angels. In such cases, the image-bearing mask 162of the projector device 160 may be in the shape of an angel, a halo,angel wings, or another thematically related image.

In some embodiments, the image-bearing mask 162 may be removable fromthe housing of the decoration 100. In such circumstances, a user mayremove a first mask 162 and replace it with a second mask so that adifferent image pattern is projected onto the nearby surface. A seriesof masks 162, each having a different image pattern thereon, can beprovided to the user in the form of removable cartridges that can beinserted into an input slot proximal to the projection light source 168.

Referring now to FIG. 7, some embodiments of the base 110 may includeone or more cavities proximal the bottom portion of the base 110. Aspreviously described, the first cavity 112 is disposed near the bottomof the base 110 and is configured to receive an upper stem of a tree 101(FIG. 1B). Also, the second cavity 114 that is adapted to receive asupplemental support shaft (not shown in FIGS. 2-3) that can extenddownwardly and be releasably attached to a substantially rigid portionof the tree 101. In other embodiments in which the decoration 100 isconfigured to be mounted on a mantle, a tabletop, a wall, or otherdecorative locations, the base 110 may include cavities or mountingbrackets in other arrangements so as to facilitate placement of thedecoration 100 in those locations.

Referring to FIG. 8, another embodiment of the decoration 200 mayinclude a self-contained projector device 260 that is fit into the upperportion of the base 110. As previously described in connection withFIGS. 1-7, the decoration 200 may include the hollow portions 122, thecentral portion 132, the substantially solid members 142, the lightsources 128, the central light source 138, the circuit 170, and otherpreviously described components. Furthermore, the decoration 200 mayhave similar decorative elements (e.g., openings 124 and surfacepatterns 134 and 144) and similar lighting effects, as previouslydescribed in connection with FIGS. 1-7. In the depicted embodiment, theprojector device 260 may include an outer shell 261 that houses theprojection light source 268, the image-bearing mask 262, and one or morelenses 265, 266, and 267. The projector device 260 may be electricallyconnected to the circuit 170 using a wire 269. The projection device 260may be readily assembled into the base 110 without the need toindividually insert and align the projection light source 268, theimage-bearing mask 262, and the lenses 265, 266, and 267. As such, theassembly time and costs may be reduced because the lenses and imagepattern can be retained and aligned within the outer shell 261 beforethe final assembly of the decoration 200 occurs. In this embodiment, theprojection device 260 is simply inserted into the appropriate portion ofthe base 110 and then electrically connected to the circuit 170 usingthe wire.

Referring to FIG. 9, the projector device 260 may be secured in the base110 using one or more retainer members 118. The retainer members may beintegrally formed with the base 110 so that, when the base 110 isassembled, the retainer members 118 are mateable with complimentarycircumferential grooves formed in the outer shell 261 of the projectordevice 260. Such a configuration permits the projector device 260 to bereadily installed into the base 110. Furthermore, the retainer members118 may be used during assembly to assure that the projector device 260is substantially aimed in the predetermined direction (e.g., upwardly,angled incline, or another direction).

Referring to FIGS. 10-11, the projector device 260 may be assembled suchthat an image-bearing mask 262 is disposed between the projection lightsource 268 (as shown, for example, in FIG. 12) in the base of the deviceand the one or more lenses 265, 266, and 267. The image-bearing mask 262may include, for example, a stencil having apertures through which lightfrom the projection light source 268 may pass. In another example, theimage-bearing mask 262 may be a film negative having substantiallytransparent or translucent portion through which light from theprojection light source 268 may pass. In this embodiment, the light fromthe projection light source 268 passes through the lenses 265, 266, and267 so as to magnify and focus the lighted pattern into a projectedimage. For example, the projected image may be about 20-inches wide whenprojected onto the targeted surface at a distance of about 24-inchesfrom the projector device 260. In this embodiment, the projector device260 is arranged to provide the light pattern in a generally upwarddirection (see, e.g., FIG. 8), yet other embodiments of the decoration200 may include a projector device 260 that is capable of projecting alight pattern in a non-vertical direction, such as angled at an inclinetoward a wall surface, directed sideways toward a wall surface, orangled downwardly toward a nearby floor surface.

Referring to FIG. 12, the projection light source 268 may be disposed ina conical base portion of the projector device 260. The conical baseportion may have a reflective interior surface so that the light emittedfrom the projection light source 268 is substantially directed outwardlytoward the image pattern 262 (FIGS. 10-11) and the lenses 265, 266, and267. As previously described, the projection light source 268 may be amegabright light-emitting diode (single or multicolor) so as to providegreater clarity and brightness to the lighted pattern projected to thenearby surface. In one example, the projection light source 268 may be awater-clear white UB light-emitting diode having a brightness of 13,000mcd (Millicandelas) or greater.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the circuit 170 described in connection withFIGS. 3 and 8 may include a programmable controller 178 to independentlyilluminate and dim any combination of the light sources. In thisembodiment, a power source 173 supplies the circuit 170 with power. Thepower source could be, for example, a battery power supply, or a AC-DCadapter, or any other DC power source. As previously described inconnection with FIGS. 3 and 8, the power source may be connected to thecircuit 170 via a wire 172. At least one of the light sources may bepowered without the use of the controller 178. For example, the lightsource 138 (FIGS. 3 and 8) may be constantly illuminated when power isprovided to the circuit 170. In such embodiments, the light source 138is not controlled by signals from the controller 178. In otherembodiments (not shown in FIG. 13), the light source 138 could becontrolled by the controller 178.

The controller 178 may include multiple outputs to individually controlone or more light sources or other light sources. For example, as shown,the controller 178 includes an output (OUT1) to control the projectionlight source 168. The controller 178 may be capable of being programmedto apply a voltage to the projection light source 168, and the voltagemay vary over time. With the current limiting resistor in place, asshown in FIG. 13, a change in the voltage at the output causes a changein current through the light source, which may result in a correspondingchange in brightness of the light source 168. Based on time variation inthe voltage output, the controller 178 may cause the light source 168 toturn on, turn off, or maintain varying levels of brightness. Similarly,each of the light sources 128 may be coupled to an independent output ofthe controller 178. Again, the controller 178 may turn on, turn off, orselectively increase or decrease the light intensity of each lightsource 128 by varying the applied voltage. The voltage may be variedover time to illuminate the light sources in a particular pattern or atpredetermined time intervals. For example, the controller 178 may storea one or more time-varying voltage patterns for each output that may,for example, be repeated or randomly selected.

In some embodiments, at least a portion of the circuit 170 may be formedon a printed circuit board that is configured to fit within the housingof the base 110 (as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 8). Theprogrammable controller 178 may be a commercially available electronicdevice or a more complex module, depending on the sequencing of thecontrol signals and the technology used to project the light pattern.For example, in some implementations, the programmable controller 178could comprise a voice synthesizer device capable of storing one or morechannels of data that can be output as time-varying voltage waveforms.In certain embodiments, the circuit 170 may include other components,such as a nonvolatile memory module (e.g., a flash memory module) or ahigh speed processor unit. Some of these additional components may beemployed, for example, in embodiments in which the projected imagechanges over time (e.g., a numeric countdown of days until a celebratedevent), the projected image includes motion, or the projected imageincludes a digital image uploaded by a user, as described in more detailbelow.

Referring now to FIGS. 14-15, another embodiment of a decoration 300 mayinclude a projector device 360 that is capable of projecting an imagethat changes over time, includes a moving object, or includes a digitalimage uploaded by a user. As previously described in connection withFIGS. 1-7, the decoration 300 may include the hollow portions 122, thecentral portion 132, the substantially solid members 142, the lightsources 128, the central light source 138, and other previouslydescribed components. Furthermore, the decoration 300 may have similardecorative elements (e.g., openings 124 and surface patterns 134 and144) and similar lighting effects, as previously described in connectionwith FIGS. 1-7. In the depicted embodiment, the upper portion of thebase 110 is angled rearwardly so that the projector device 360 is notdirected vertically upward. In such circumstances, the decoration 300may be used to project an image onto a nearby surface, such as a ceiling302 or a wall 303 (see, e.g., FIGS. 16-17). Also, the decoration 300 mayhave a data input port 385 to receive a data cable or to receive aremovable memory device. The data input port 385 may be employed, forexample, in embodiments in which the circuit 370 includes a memorymodule 375.

Referring to FIG. 15, certain embodiments of the projector device 360may include an LCD (liquid crystal display) projection panel 362disposed near a projection light source 368 so that light from theprojection light source 368 may be transmitted through the LCDprojection panel 362. The LCD projection panel 362 may include an activeregion 363 disposed between two substantially transparent or translucentpanels. In such circumstances, the circuit 370 may be electricallyconnected to the LCD projection panel 362 using a wire 364 so that atleast one controller on the circuit 170, such as a commerciallyavailable LCD display controller chip, may modify the image that isdisplayed in the active region 363 of the LCD projection panel 362. Inone example, the LCD projection panel may have a display area of about0.75 square inches to about 1.25 square inches and may be capable ofdisplaying moving images in the active region 363. Also in this example,the LCD projection panel may be capable of displaying multicolor imagesin the active region 363 using a two-dimensional array of red, green,and blue subpixels in the active region. Similar to the embodimentpreviously described in connection with FIG. 8, the projector device 360may be preassembled into a shell housing so as to facilitate promptassembly of the decoration 300.

When an image is displayed in the active region 362 of the LCDprojection panel 362, the projection light source 368 may transmit lightthrough the panel 362, through the lenses 366 and toward a nearbysurface, such as a ceiling 302 or a wall 303 (FIGS. 16-17). Theprojection light source 368 may be housed in a conical structure 369having a reflective coating on the interior so that the light from theprojection light source 368 is substantially reflected or transmittedout toward the LCD projection panel 362. In some embodiments, theprojection light source 368 may comprise a halogen bulb or alight-emitting diode that is capable of emitting light at a brightnessof 50,000 mcd (Millicandelas) or greater.

As previously described, the circuit 370 may be equipped with anonvolatile memory module 375 that is capable of storing electronicdata, such as a digital image file or data related to a sequence ofimages to be displayed in the LCD projection panel 362. In embodimentsin which the circuit is at least partially formed on a printed circuitboard, the memory module 375 may be, for example, a flash memory chipthat is surface mounted to the circuit board. Alternatively, the memorymodule 375 may include a media that is removable, such as an SD memorychip. The data input port 385 (FIG. 14) may be disposed proximal to thememory module 375 so that the memory module may be removably insertedfrom outside the housing of the decoration 300. In one example, the port385 may be a female jack to receive a data cable, through which adigital image file may be transferred to the memory module 375. Inanother example, the port 385 may be embodied as a slot to receive aremovable media, such as an SD memory chip.

Still referring to FIGS. 14-15, the memory chip 375 may be accessible byother components of the circuit 370 (e.g., a display controller) so thatdata stored in the memory module 375 may be used to display an image (ora sequence of images) in the active region 363 of the LCD projectionpanel 362. In some embodiments, a user may transfer a digital image file(or a series of digital image files) through the data input port 385 andinto the memory module 375. When the decoration 300 is activated, thedata stored in the memory module 375 may be used by the displaycontroller (having the associated LCD driving circuitry) to display animage in the active region 363 of the LCD projection panel 362. When theprojection light source 368 to be illuminated, the light is transmittedfrom the light source 368, through the LCD projection panel 362, throughthe one or more lenses 366, and toward a nearby surface. As such, theLCD projection panel 362 may be used to project an image that changesover time (e.g., a numeric countdown of days until a celebrated event),images appear to have motion, or one or more digital images (e.g.,personal photographs) that were uploaded by a user.

Referring now to FIG. 16, the decoration 300 that is equipped with theprojector device 360 (having the LCD projection panel 362) may be usedto display an image that changes over time. In this embodiment, thedisplayed image 307 includes an element 308 that changes duringpredetermined time intervals, both of which may be projected from theLCD projection panel 362 (FIG. 15) of the projection device 360. Forexample, the decoration 300 may be embodied as a tree topper device thatis secured to the top portion of a Christmas tree 101. In suchcircumstances, the decoration 300 may be used to project an image to anearby wall 303 (or a ceiling 302) that includes an image of Santa Clausand a countdown element 308. The countdown element 308 may numericallycount down the number of days until Christmas is celebrated. Forexample, the countdown element may show the numeral “10” on December 15and may change to show the numeral “9” on December 16. By displayingthis type of a changing image 307, the decoration 300 provides bothadornment for the Christmas tree 101 and a pleasurable image displayedon the wall 303 (or the ceiling 302) that builds the anticipation forcelebrated event. It should be understood, that other embodiments of thedecoration 300 may be configured to display other Christmas relatedimages, such as stars, angels, bells, holly, or the like. Also, thedecoration 300 may be configured to display other images related to aparticular event or season that is being celebrated, such as a menorahfor Chanukah celebration, a graduation cap for a graduation celebration,fireworks for a July 4^(th) celebration, or the like. Furthermore, otherembodiments of the decoration 300 may be capable of displaying asequence of images so that the projected pattern appears to have motion.For example, the projected image 307 shown in FIG. 16 may include aSanta Clause that appears to move from the left side to the right side.Such a sequence of images may be periodically repeated by the decoration300 and may be used in combination with the countdown element 308 orother changing image.

Referring now to FIG. 17, the decoration 300 that is equipped with theprojector device 360 (FIG. 15) may be used to display one or moredigital images, including personal photographs. As previously described,some embodiments of the decoration may include a data input port 385(FIG. 14) so that the user may upload the digital images to the memorymodule 375 (FIG. 15). In the embodiment depicted in FIG. 17, thedisplayed image 309 includes a digital photograph having sentimentalvalue to the user. For example, the image 309 may show a familyportrait, a photograph of a deceased relative, or the like. Aspreviously described, the decoration 300 may be embodied as a treetopper device that is secured to the top portion of a Christmas tree 101so that the image 309 may be projected to a nearby wall 303 (or aceiling 302). By displaying an image 309 from the user of the decoration300, the decoration 300 provides both adornment for the Christmas tree101 and a sentimental image displayed on the wall 303 (or the ceiling302). In some embodiments, the decoration 300 may be capable ofdisplaying a sequence of digital image files that are stored in thememory module 375 (FIG. 15). The sequence of images 309 that areprojected onto the nearby surface 303 or 302 may include images ofdifferent relative or friends. In such circumstances, the projectedimages 309 may appear as a slide show of digital image files that cyclesat predetermined time intervals.

In an alternative embodiment, the decoration 300 may be capable ofprojecting one or more personal photographs using a slide or film havingthe desired image pattern thereon. In such circumstances, the projectordevice may operate without the use of the LCD projection panel 362.Rather, the light from the projection light source 368 may be passedthrough the film pattern and focused onto the targeted surface using oneor more lenses, similar to some embodiments of the previously describedimage-bearing masks.

Various embodiments of the decoration 100, 200, or 300 may have anappearance other than the star-shaped structure shown in FIGS. 1-8 and14-17. For example, some embodiments of the decoration may have a shapefamiliar to an applicable season or event, such as the shape of an angelor a Santa Claus character that is sometimes associated with theChristmas season. In another example, the decoration may have a shape ofa menorah that is associated with the celebration of Chanukah. In suchcircumstances, the image that is projected onto the nearby surface mayinclude elements that are associated with the applicable season orevent.

Certain embodiments of the decoration may be configured to be mounted ina location other that a tree top. For example, other embodiments of thedecoration may be configured to be placed on a mantle, a tabletop, awall, or other decorative locations. In those embodiments, the base ofthe decoration may a flat panel or a mounting bracket so as tofacilitate placement of the decoration in the intended location.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described.Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the followingclaims.

1. A method of operating a tree topper decoration apparatus, comprising:activating one or more light sources arranged in an ornament structureof a tree topper decoration apparatus so as to illuminate decorativeelements formed in the ornament structure, the tree topper decorationapparatus including a base portion to releasably couple the ornamentportion to a top portion of a tree; and activating a projection lightsource of a projector device that is coupled to the ornament structure,the projector device having including an image-bearing element and atleast one lens disposed proximate to the projection light source,wherein when the projection light source is activated, light isprojected through the lens and through the image-bearing element toproject an image onto a surface remote from the projector device.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the image projected onto the remote surfacehas a theme associated with at least a portion of the decorativeelements formed in the ornament structure.
 3. The method of claim 1,wherein activating the projection light source comprises controllingillumination of the projection light source so as to selectivelyilluminate and fade the image projected onto the remote surface.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the projector device includes a plurality oflenses disposed proximate to the projection light source so as to focusthe image projected onto the remote surface.
 5. The method of claim 1,wherein the projector device is oriented parallel to a vertical axis soas to project the image in a substantially vertical direction onto aceiling surface remote from the projector device.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein the decorative elements comprise openings defined in asurface of the ornament structure such that activating the one or morelight sources projects light forward through the openings.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein the decorative elements comprise at least onesurface pattern formed in a surface of the ornament structure such thatactivating the one or more light sources provides a backlighting effectthrough the at least one surface pattern.
 8. The method of claim 1,wherein the decorative elements comprise at least one substantiallysolid light piping member such that activating the one or more lightsources provides a glowing effect for the substantially solid lightpiping member.
 9. The method of claim 8, wherein activating the one ormore light sources provides edge lighting through outwardly facing endsof the substantially solid light piping member.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein the one or more light sources comprise an internal lightsource disposed in an interior space of the ornament structure suchthat, when the internal light source is activated, light is emittedthrough the decorative elements of the ornament structure.
 11. Themethod of claim 10, wherein the ornament structure includes a pluralityof adjacent hollow shell portions, each hollow shell portion having anassociated internal light source disposed therein.
 12. The method ofclaim 11, wherein the activating the one or more light sources comprisescontrolling illumination of the internal light sources so as toselectively illuminate and fade the internal light sources disposed inthe plurality of hollow shell portions.
 13. The method of claim of claim1, wherein the image-bearing element comprises an image-bearing maskdisposed proximate to the projection light source, the mask comprisingan image pattern to be projected onto the surface.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the image-bearing element comprises an LCD projectionpanel disposed proximate to the projection light source, the LCDprojection panel comprising an active region operable to display animage to be projected onto the surface.
 15. The method of claim 14,further comprising controlling the image displayed in the active regionof the LCD projection panel so as to modify over an interval of time theimage displayed.
 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising storingat least one digital image in nonvolatile memory so as to display thedigital image in the active region of the LCD projection panel.
 17. Themethod of claim 16, wherein the nonvolatile memory is user accessiblesuch that one or more digital images are uploadable to the nonvolatilememory.
 18. The method of claim 1, wherein the ornament structure hasthe appearance of a star.